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Revelstoke City Information

Revelstoke, British Columbia is nestled in the shadows of the imposing mountains of the Selkirk Range and along the Columbia River. Revelstoke and its surrounding area host a population of approximately 7,500 residents, although this all-season playground attracts visitors from across the world. Revelstoke is easily accessed from southern British Columbia and Alberta on the Trans Canada Highway. Travelling from Kamloops (west of Revelstoke) tourists can enjoy 210 kilometers of desert-like terrain and wooded mountains that encompass winding routes along the steep embankments of rivers or lakes. Access to Revelstoke is accessible through the Okanagan Valley (in the south), by travelling Highway 97C.

This vibrant community is developing into one of British Columbia’s all season play grounds. Outdoor adventures take advantage of the areas breath taking scenery with back country hiking, ski touring, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, down hill skiing, snowboarding, camping, mountain biking, river rafting, boating, rowing, canoeing and kayaking. The city of Revelstoke also has an 18-hole golf course, bowling lanes, fitness centers, tennis courts, skating arena, curling rink and an indoor swimming pool. The area has two national parks, three provincial parks, several municipal parks, hot spring developments and an abundance of camping opportunities.

From Revelstoke, you can take short trips north or south to experience more adventures. To the north on Highway 23, you can visit Downie Provincial Park, Martha Creek Provincial Park and the famous Revelstoke Dam and Mica Dam. A journey south on Highway 23 will take you to Blanket Creek Provincial Park and the scenic Arrow Lakes.

The nearby Purcell and Selkirk Mountains are world renowned for their soft deep powder snow, an average of 60 feet yearly. This attracts those who want to experience heli-skiing or cat-skiing, downhill or cross country skiing. These and other winter activities can be experienced while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery in this Powder Snow Capital of Canada.

History

Revelstoke was developed in the 1880’s originally as a transportation and supply centre for the mining industry. Soon after, the trans-continental railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to make Revelstoke home of their main operations offices and maintenance facilities for both the Shuswap and Mountain subdivisions. Shortly after, came the timber industry. Revelstoke grew at a gradual pace between 1900 and 1960, but do to the development of the Trans Canada Hwy from Roger’s Pass in 1962, Revelstoke opened to tourists. Between 1965 and 1985 Revelstoke built three hydroelectric dams in the area.

Revelstoke suffered a downturn, which was saved by the revitalization project, development and diversification of small business, encouragement of tourism and strengthening the timber industry.

Economy

The economy in Revestoke is now based on four components: forestry, transportation, tourism and government services.

Weather

Weather in the region develops as a result of warm moisture-laden air from the Pacific being deflected upwards by the Columbia Mountains. The cooling of this air mass brings significant precipitation to the Columbia’s, particularly during the winter months. The annual precipitation is 1278 mm (50 inches) in Revelstoke. Variations in daily weather reflect the variety of topography throughout the Columbia mountains. December and January are typically the snowiest months, while July and August are the warmest months.

Accommodations

Revelstoke offers numerous hotels and motels, camping and bed and breakfasts’, world class resorts and chalets, and hostels. Full service winter RV camping facilities are also available.

Education: 4 elementary schools including French language, 1 secondary school, Community Skills Centre, Okanagan University College, first and second year academic courses, extension programs, vocational and recreational programs

Provincial Government Offices: Court House, Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Services, Ministry of Skills, Training & Labor, Ministry of Transportation and Highways